Finding a pet for you and your family can be a challenge—there are so many different species of companions to choose from, ranging from dogs to cats. And while the choice of what kind of animal to bring into your home typically depends on the stage of life you are in, there is also a moment of clarity the second you see the right pet for you.
Here in Northern Virginia, there are various nonprofits and organizations striving to make that process easier for both you and the animals in need of a home. 4Paws Rescue Team, based in Fairfax County, for example, has recently partnered with newly opened Meows Corner, a cat cafe in Sterling, to make the adoption process a more casual experience.
Guests who arrive at the shop can have a bite to eat, browse the books for sale and hang out in the lounge with cats for an extended period of time, depending on personal preference. Plus, if you have a special connection with one of the purr-fect kitties, you can make it official by adopting him or her following your visit.
This summer, whether you’re searching for a longtime pet or simply want to play with adorable kittens who need to be held, there is no shortage of adoption events to attend. Here, we share them all.
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
Dog & Cat Adoption
Saturdays, noon-3 p.m.
PetSmart: 6100-A Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Cat Adoption
Sundays, 1-4 p.m.
Tysons PetSmart: 8204 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Fancy Cats & Dogs
Cat Adoption Fair
Saturdays, noon-4 p.m.
Fair Lakes PetSmart: 12971 Fair Lakes Center, Fairfax
Chantilly PetSmart: 13866 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly
Dulles Landing PetSmart: 24570 Dulles Landing Drive, Dulles
Springfield Cat Adoption Fair
Saturdays, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Springfield PetSmart: 6536 Frontier Drive, Springfield
Cat Adoption Fair at Chico’s Natural Pet Market
Saturdays, 1-5 p.m.
Chico’s Natural Pet Market: 6349 Unit A Columbia Pike, Falls Church
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
Cat and Kitten Adoption
Saturdays, noon-2 p.m.
Unleashed by Petco Ballston: 3902 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; free entry
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
Cat Adoption Event Arlington
Saturday, July 27, noon-2 p.m.
Dogma Bakery: 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington
Dog and Cat Adoption Event Alexandria
Saturday, Aug. 4, noon-3 p.m.
PetSmart: 3251 Jefferson Davis Highway, Unit 10, Alexandria
Cat Adoption Event Arlington
Saturday, Aug. 10, noon-2 p.m.
Loyal Companion: 2501 N. Harrison St., Arlington
Cat Adoption Event Annandale
Sunday, Aug. 18, noon-3 p.m.
Petco: 7434 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Wags N’ Whiskers Mega Adoption Event Arlington
Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dogma Bakery: 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington
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